The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2024 season. Today we will examine tight end. We will examine another position each day until the start of training camp.

To see our preview of the quarterbacks, click here and for defensive tackles, click here, and click here for running backs and here for linebackers.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Tight End, Projected Starters: Luke Musgrave

Luke Musgrave started immediately and was off to a productive rookie year before a lacerated kidney disrupted his season.

The former Oregon State star gives the Packers their best downfield weapon at tight end since Jermichael Finley.

The Packers are hoping Musgrave will take a step forward in his second year. In his first NFL season, he caught 34 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown in 11 games.

Tucker Kraft

While Musgrave started the season off quickly, third-round pick Tucker Kraft struggled early in the season. In the first nine games, he caught only five passes. But after Musgrave got injured, Kraft stepped up and played well. He finished the season with 31 catches for 355 yards and two touchdowns.

While Musgrave is a deep threat, Kraft’s strength is running after the catch. He is capable of taking a short checkdown pass and turning it into a big gain.

Both Kraft and Musgrave need to improve their blocking. If both take a step forward in year two, the Packers will have a wealth of talent at the tight end position.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Tight End, Projected Backups: Ben Sims

The Packers signed Ben Sims off waivers from the Vikings before the season started. The Baylor alum played 17 percent of the Packers offensive snaps and caught four passes for 21 yards and a touchdown.

Sims served as a useful third tight end last season. He did a good job in pass protection and earned an average grade as a run blocker.

He is hoping for an expanded role in the offense in 2024.

Tyler Davis

Tyler Davis missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. When healthy, Davis was one of the Packers core special teams players, but he never found a big role in the offense. He caught four passes in each of the two seasons he spent in Green Bay.

Playing well on special teams will again be the key for Davis if he hopes to earn a roster spot this season.

Joel Wilson

The Packers signed Joel Wilson off the Bills practice squad in late November of 2023. He spent the rest of the season on the Packers practice squad.

The undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan was a good red zone target in college and brings good size to the position at 6’4” and 242 pounds. He will fight for a spot on the practice squad and has a chance to elevate to the roster with injuries or a very strong training camp.

Messiah Swinson

The Packers signed Messiah Swinson as an undrafted free agent at the end of April. The Arizona State alum stands 6’7”, but his 4.85 time in the 40-yard dash likely cost him the chance to be drafted.

Swinson faces an uphill battle to make the team. If he can block well and contribute on special teams, he has a chance to make the practice squad, but he is a longshot to make the roster.

H-Back/Fullback: Henry Pearson

With the departure of Josiah Deguara, Henry Pearson remains the only fullback/H-back on the 90-man roster. Last season, the former Appalachian State star spent last season on the practice squad but was elevated for two games. He played 11 snaps on offense and 23 on special teams.

The Packers may bring in competition for Pearson at the position, but as of now, he is the only player on the roster to exclusively fill this role.

Three Key Questions for the Packers at Tight End

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Tight End: Question One, How Will the Reps be Divided?

The Packers have a wealth of riches in Musgrave and Kraft, and they have different skill sets. How will head coach Matt LaFleur utilize the two of them? Will we see them both on the field together more frequently? Which player will get more snaps? Who will earn the trust of quarterback Jordan Love?

All these factors will help determine the answer to our first question.

Question Two: Who Wins the 3rd Tight End Job?

Sims played well last season in limited reps and still has some potential upside. Davis missed 2023 with an injury but has more experience. He is also a key special teams contributor. We also don’t know how many tight ends will be on the 53-man roster. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia may have a say in that matter.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Tight End: Question Three, Will they Keep an H-back/Fullback?

It’s uncertain if Pearson makes the final roster or if the Packers bring in another player to compete at H-back/fullback. It’s also possible the coaching staff feels they can use the other tight ends in this role without keeping fullback on the roster. This decision will impact some of the ways the offense lines up in certain situations.

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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